Prevention of Deterioration of Built Environment and Landscape Improvement in Lai Chi Wo Village

Proponent: HakkaHome-LCW Limited

Site: Lai Chi Wo

Project Description

The village house cluster and the master layout of Lai Chi Wo exemplify a traditional Hakka village in Hong Kong. However, some village houses are at risk of collapsing due to long-term disrepair, posing safety hazards to residents and visitors. In response, the project organisation selected three village houses based on factors such as location, structural condition and architectural features. Following architectural conservation principles, the project organisation removed dangerous structures, reinforced the remaining parts, and carried out landscaping works in the relevant areas, transforming these premises into village gardens.

During the project, the gardens hosted various cultural activities, including mini-concerts, exhibitions and guided tours. In the three years' time following the project completion, the gardens will continue to be open to the public daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Please come visit to explore and appreciate the beauty of traditional Hakka architecture.

Grant Approved

HK$3,000,000

Project Duration

01/10/2021-30/06/2023

How To Get There

1 | Ma Liu Shui Kaito Ferry |

• Every Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

• Departure: Ma Liu Shui No.3 Pier at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：30

2 | Tai Shui Hang Kaito Ferry |

• Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding Public Holidays)

• Departure: Tai Shui Hang at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：40

3 | Sha Tau Kok Kaito Ferry |

• Closed Area permit needed

• Daily (No service on Tuesday (except Public Holidays))

• Departure: Sha Tau Kok Pier at 08：30、10：30、12：30、15：15

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 09：00、11：30、13：00、16：15

4 | Minibus + Hiking |

• Take green minibus No. 20R from Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang, then hike for about 2 hours to Lai Chi Wo

• Reference Route: Wu Kau Tang → A Ma Wat → Fan Shui Au → Lai Chi Wo

➤ Kaito Ferry Service Details

Project Update

The project was completed on 30 June 2023.

Project Outcome

The project organisation revitalised the dilapidated village houses for adaptive reuse as village gardens, improving the environment of Lai Chi Wo village. The gardens will remain open to the public for three years after the project's completion to maximise the impacts of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme.

The key achievements of the project are as follows:

• Strengthened the structure of the three selected village houses and preserved 16 Hakka cultural elements for public appreciation and enjoyment.
• Successfully engaged 11 local villagers in the design process of the gardens, 33 volunteers in garden planting activities, and two local volunteer teams in the daily maintenance of the gardens.
• Organised workshops, planting days and other activities to promote interaction between villagers and visitors.